Report: Sunderland linked with West Ham defender James Collins following Sam Allardyce appointment

According to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats have been linked with making a move for West Ham centre-half James Collins, days after being linked with his Hammers’ teammate James Tomkins.

The Mirror claimed over the weekend that Tomkins is number one target at the Stadium of Light, following the appointment of ex-West Ham boss Sam Allardyce as head coach on Wearside.

Allardyce has been guaranteed signings by chairman Ellis Short, and due to the poor state of the Black Cats’ defence, Allardyce wants to bring in a new back-line at the earliest opportunity.

Whilst a move for Tomkins could be hard - considering he is a key part of Slaven Bilic’s first-team - Collins has also been linked in that Echo report, and he appears to be a more viable signing in the January transfer window.

The former Aston Villa and Cardiff centre-back has made just five appearances this season, playing only 29 minutes of Premier League action, and failing to even make the substitutes bench for two games.

There were doubts he would remain at the Boleyn Ground over the summer transfer window, and now that his playing situation has not improved, Collins is likely to be searching for a January exit - with Allardyce hoping to prise him to the Stadium of Light.

Collins has a wealth of Premier League experience, and, although he is 32-years-old, there are no doubts about his suitability to continue playing in the top flight, making him a wise signing by Allardyce.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.